Planning to catch a game at Petco Park this season? You’re in for a fantastic experience! Opened in 2004, Petco Park, home of the Padres, is one of MLB’s most beautiful ballparks. In downtown San Diego, the stadium offers stunning views of the skyline, bay, and Coronado Bridge. Fun fact: Petco Park integrates the historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, blending modern design with local history.
Food and Drink
If you’re hungry before the game, the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter offers an abundance of incredible dining options. The Mission offers fresh Mexican-inspired cuisine, perfect for breakfast, lunch, or early dinner. Basic Bar & Pizza offers thin-crust New Haven-style pies in a cool, industrial setting near the park. C-Level Lounge on Harbor Island serves fresh seafood like fish tacos and ceviche with stunning waterfront views. Craving something hearty? Head to Hodad’s, a local institution famous for its massive, mouthwatering burgers.
Looking for drinks? The Gaslamp Quarter is home to numerous bars and breweries perfect for a pregame drink. Stop by Altitude Sky Lounge, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of Petco Park and the San Diego skyline. If craft beer is your thing, check out Ballast Point Little Italy or Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station, both offering a wide variety of local brews in unique, laid-back settings.
Attractions
While you’re in San Diego, don’t miss these nearby attractions:
- Seaport Village: A charming waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and scenic spots to stroll or relax before the game.
- USS Midway Museum: Explore this historic aircraft carrier and learn about naval aviation while enjoying stunning views of the bay.
- Balboa Park: Just a short drive from Petco Park, this sprawling urban park is home to beautiful gardens, walking paths, and world-class museums like the San Diego Air & Space Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art.
- Coronado Island: Take a quick ferry ride or drive over the Coronado Bridge to visit this picturesque island featuring pristine beaches and the historic Hotel del Coronado.
- La Jolla Cove: If you have some extra time, head to La Jolla to enjoy the scenic coastline, tide pools, and playful sea lions.
For more ideas on what to do, where to eat, and upcoming events, check out SanDiego.org, the city’s official tourism guide.
Books
Books to dive into if you love San Diego’s history and culture:
- San Diego: Then and Now by Nancy Hendrickson – A visual journey through the city’s transformation over the years.
- Balboa Park and the 1915 Exposition by Richard Amero – A fascinating look at the history of San Diego’s beloved Balboa Park and its role in shaping the city.
- San Diego Legends: Events, People, and Places That Made History by Jack Scheffler Innis – A fun read for those curious about the quirky and fascinating aspects of San Diego’s past.
Enjoy your trip to San Diego—whether it’s for the game, the food, the history, or all of the above!